Advisory Councils

NAN Elder's Council

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Elders Council was established on March 24, 1988. The NAN Elders Council consists of 12 members selected from all geographic areas of NAN territory. They are selected for their vision and experience, and range from 60 to 80 years old. The NAN Elders Council mandate is to review NAN resolutions and to provide guidance and advice to the NAN Chiefs, NAN Executive Council, and all other people of NAN on major issues. They provide direction on their understanding of Treaty No. 9 and Treaty No. 5, stating that the treaty arrangement would protect First Nations way of life, and that First Nations never surrendered their title to their land.

NAN Women's Council

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women’s Council (NANWC) is the voice to support our women and families and they work to achieve and maintain healthy lives in all 49 NAN First Nations. The NANWC ensures that women of NAN and their families have a voice in the governance of NAN, including establishing a working relationship with Equay-wuk (Women’s Group).

The NAN Women’s Council will strive to empower the women of NAN communities by:

Ensuring they have ways to express their concerns

being the voice of the women of NAN communities at a political level taking their concerns to the NAN Chiefs

lobbying/advocating on behalf of the service agencies that empower these women so they can deliver vital programs/activities

advocating for additional funding, resources and further support

striving to re-enforce traditional role of women as counsel

being the women’s voice to NAN Chiefs.

Oshkaatisak (All Young People's) Council

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Oshkaatisak Councilis the voice and direction behind the Oshkaatisak Development Office. We are an advisory council consisting of 10 youth aged 18-29 from Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities. We are always looking for new council members to work with us. For a current listing of the Oshkaatisak Council please contact our office. You may also contact our office for further information on how to get involved.

As a group, we strive to promote Youth Empowerment and Engagement. Our main objectives include providing NAN youth with the opportunity of enhancing their leadership skills, and improving the livelihood and hope for the future of All Nishnawbe Aski Nation Youth.

We work as an advocating body at the regional, national, and international level, and promote the ideas and successes of Nishnawbe Aski Nation youth.

We work to preserve and protect our First Nations heritage and rights. We stress strong family values and recognize that belief in our culture and the preservation of our heritage and values exemplifies our dignity and affords our Youth and Nation Unity, Strength, and Success.